NEW SKUs

Microwavable Aseptic Carton
Answering the consumer call for convenience and premium quality, Culinary Concepts, Orlando, Fla., is marketing three Chef Creations sauces in a microwavable aseptic carton from Tetra Pak, Vernon Hills, Ill. The all-natural sauces—Alfredo, Hollandaise, and Classic Brown, come in a 6.75-oz wedge-shaped carton. To use, consumers cut along a dotted line at the top of the carton, microwave for 45–60 sec, and pour the contents over their favorite foods.

“The Tetra Wedge Aseptic Microwavable gives consumers the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, complex food items right from the microwave,” said Jeff Kellar, Vice President of Strategic Business Development for Tetra Pak. “This is an important first for the food industry, combining the patented barrier protection of Tetra Pak aseptic cartons with the ease and convenience associated with microwave cooking.”

Launched in select markets in November, the Chef Creations sauces are merchandised by Stop N’ Shop, Winn Dixie, and Kroger stores. The Alfredo and Hollandaise sauces carry a suggested retail price of $2.49, while the Classic Brown sauce features a suggested retail price of $2.29.

Coffee Pots To-Go
Convenience store chains 7-Eleven, Dallas, Texas, and White Hen Pantry, Lombard, Ill., are introducing one-gal, take-out coffee carafes, supplied by IDC, Hanover, Md. The refillable and disposable carafe, which holds about 12 cups of coffee, is targeted to construction crews, office workers, college students, and meeting groups. The carafe carries a suggested retail price of $11.99, filled with coffee.

The carafe contains a 3-in diameter spout for safe and quick filling. An inner standup pouch prevents splash back during filling. The outer corrugated structure and biax, nylon pouch insulate the liquid, keeping it hot for up to three hours. A reinforced plastic handle eases pouring.

“We have recently revamped our coffee program and introduced this new beverage carafe as a way to heighten our appeal to the on-the-go consumer. The side panels of the carafe are an attention-getting, leave-behind piece that attracts additional passive advertising,” said Ari Frank, Marketing and Advertising Manager, White Hen.

Brewing Up Cachet
With beer losing ground to wine and spirits in the United States, Anheuser-Bush, St. Louis, Mo., is fighting back by moving up to a higher playing field. For a limited time this holiday season, the brewer is offering two unique beers—Celebrate by Michelob and Brewmaster’s Private Reserve from Budweiser.

Similar to a fine cognac, Celebrate is a smooth, robust, and complex sipping beer carefully handcrafted in small batches using dark caramel and carapils malts, imported hops, and whole vanilla beans carefully selected for their rich aromatic character. At 10% alcohol by volume (ABV), the premium lager is aged in heavily toasted bourbon oak barrels that contribute to its depth of flavor, aroma, and full-bodied dark color. The beer, which comes in a 24-oz bottle, is intended to be served in a large snifter.

Brew Masters’ Private Reserve features a balanced hop aroma with 8.5% ABV. Based on the time-honored Budweiser brewmaster holiday tradition of collecting the richest first part of the brew as it is tapped to the brew kettles to celebrate the season, this is the first time it is being made available to the public. The beer comes in a 46.5-oz magnum bottle with swing-top closure.